Hello, as you guys may have heard there was a fire that broke out at my apartment complex. I have been told it may have been fireworks landing and igniting debris on the roof, or a cigarette that was left lit.

I’m thankful that I am safe and that I was able to save my cats as well.

Unfortunately, the fire broke out at the unit next to mine, allegedly on the roof, and spread to my unit. I was home, so I was able to grab my cats and run out when I was alerted by the fire department, however I was unaware of how bad the situation was.

I sat on the sidewalk with my cats watching my building burn for the longest hour and a half of my life. The fire department brought the water hose through my apartment to fight the fire, and they were able to put it out and stop the spread to any units past mine.

However, that meant everything I own was either caught by flames, or drenched from the fire hose, in water with chemicals mixed in.

I was so thankful to have neighbors in the building next to mine that took care of me, brought me a coat, something to drink and kept me company.

I was told by the leasing office that they would be able to put me in a different floor plan since mine was unavailable, HOWEVER, they were unable to price match my rent due to “the changing market and their prices raising” since I signed my lease. They gave me three options:

1. Move into a smaller apartment and lose my washer and dryer connections for about $36 more a month

2. Move into the next size up for $130 more a month

3. Move to a sister property with a similar pricing in a less desirable location, or a similar location (with a rise in price). I was told I would still have to make a new deposit towards this apartment if I moved properties as well. I was told, “we are flexible, we could work with you if you’re not able to make the deposit right away.”

Or 4. They would let me out of the lease without any penalty to my renter’s record.

None of these seem like…. Great options to me. Or helpful considering the amount of loss I experienced. I asked for a few days to make a decision, knowing I had a place to stay with family for now.

I spoke with the Red Cross and have received a little assistance from them, and have made a doctor’s appointment to get checked out for my asthma after inhaling smoke and whatever else was in the air after going back in.

I was let back into my apartment around 1pm. I was not prepared for the level of damage I saw. My ceiling was almost fully collapsed in the living room, over my dining room and my bedroom. My closet ceiling was held up by my collectible’s boxes that were on the top shelf, the middle caved in.

The wall which connected my bedroom and the neighbor’s bedroom, was blown out from what looked like a draft between the apartments. The sheet rock and wall were up against the opposing wall as if it exploded. Some of which landed directly onto the bed I was sleeping in just a short time prior.

I knew as soon as I walked inside that almost everything I owned was gone. There was no saving my furniture, my electronics, collectibles I had for years, sentimental items I’ve held onto since I was little.

I was able to save some clothes, blankets, some electronics that were in my storage closet, and some kitchen items.

Everything changed in a matter of hours and there was nothing I could do but pick up the pieces.

At this time, anything helps. I have to completely rebuild from almost ground zero to get my life back where I was due to something that was out of my control. I also have an Amazon/Target wishlist up if you’d rather help with items I lost and things I need. Gift cards for restaurants/fast food/grocery stores are also helpful during this time. Thank you again for your help and anything is so appreciated.

⚠️ I do just want to put this disclaimer, any donations are going to a separate account specially for this relief fund/replacing items/furniture.

I have had a trip planned and paid for already, for January 10th-14th, and I’m no longer able to get a refund for the flight and the stay. I will be going still, but I did not want anyone to think their help with this is going towards that trip. ⚠️